The Effects of Nutrition on Behavior

[Wellness Home Page] [Wellness Theme & Resources] [Local Foods] [Unlocking School Nutrition]

This page provides some information on what to do and what not to do, links to great sources about nutrition and behavior, and common questions we've come across while doing some research on this topic.

Do's and Don'ts for Nutrition-Behavior in Schools

1. Have free water available for all students; some students can't afford water from vending machine.

2. Breakfast program helps students perform better in classes.

http://www.frac.org/html/federal_food_programs/federal_index.html

This site offers scientific research linking student nutrition and academic performance.

3. Be careful of hyper allergenic foods such as peanut butter being serve in cafeteria and class parties.

http://www.fastq.com/~jbpratt/recipes/allergiesintol/blproblems.html

This site discusses allergy problems due to uncommon factors like petroleum-based ingredients and Red dye #40.

4. Give rewards other than food.

5. Serve fruits and veggies.

http://www.choiceusa.net/news_archiveSuccess.htm

This site offers a variety of links to other schools who are working on students choosing to eat healthfully. 

Promoting healthy alternatives and involving
children to every facet of decision making concerning food is paramount on this site.

6. Ban junk food and soda.

7. Send home news letters about healthy nutrition and relationships between students and their learning.

http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/

This site appeals to young adults and offers tips on combining sports, exercise, and healthful eating, as well as advice about dealing with allergies.

Resources

Research abstracts:

http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/service/learnpub.html

Shows how to implement a successful nutritional program in your school:

Food for thought pamphlet

Nutritional resources for your school:

Daniel Hayes Handouts

Some Questions to Consider:

What is the effect of high power drinks such as Gatorade on students not involved in sports?

Are schools responsible for the students nutrition?

Should students have class parties with foods high in sugars?

See the adventures of Healthy Guy vs Unhealthy Guy...

Low resolution

Med resolution

High resolution